5 Minutes with Mark Taylor

In our latest “5 minutes with” blog, we spoke to Mark Taylor about his journey from becoming a security officer at 21 to National Accounts Director. Mark reflected on what his role requires day-to-day and what he values about working at Corps Security.

What does your role entail?

I provide strategic leadership across our national accounts portfolio, overseeing contract performance, regional operations, and the development of long‑term client partnerships. My role centres on navigating complex client environments and responding effectively to emerging challenges.

While some aspects are reactive, a significant part of my work is dedicated to proactive planning and shaping the future of our service delivery. This includes leading on initiatives such as new service integrations and technology rollouts like drone deployments, to ensure our clients receive high‑value, future‑ready solutions.

As the lead for our National Account Managers, I guide the team’s directions and strengthen relationships with senior stakeholders across our national portfolio. I focus on equipping the National Account Managers with the insight, capabilities, and tools to deliver service excellence.

Operational delivery is the baseline expectation. The real value comes from shaping the vision, anticipating client needs, and defining what comes next for our team in terms of innovation, strategic development, and long‑term account growth.

Another important aspect of my job is figuring out how to grow and sustain accounts. That, alongside keeping accounts running smoothly, requires a lot of juggling priorities to keep everyone happy at the same time!

What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?

I began my career as a personal security officer at 21, which gave me a deep, ground‑level understanding of the industry I’ve committed to for decades. That frontline experience has shaped how I lead today.

I progressed into managing security contracts and then into national account leadership, where my focus is on large, multimillion‑pound portfolios. I’ve overseen programmes for major brands – including BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Westfield, and Co‑op – driving performance, resilience, and long‑term growth.

Before joining Corps, I was an Account Director for a major facilities management provider. I have operated across multiple sectors, including highly regulated environments such as defence, while directing multi‑million‑pound accounts.

Alongside long‑term portfolios, I also led complex short‑duration projects and events, notably delivering security for Westfield Stratford City’s Olympic gateway, where I coordinated around 300 personnel per day over a five‑week period on site.

Working both for the government and privately gave me a strong grasp of the security industry across retail and corporate sectors. I have been able to bring diverse skills to my role at Corps, where I saw room to personally develop while supporting its large, nationwide accounts.

Tell us about your journey within the company

I joined the team in September 2022 as National Accounts Director. While I’ve been here, I’ve seen huge growth across the accounts. We have taken on key relationships, improved our processes and embraced advancement. I’ve also helped lead technological advancements at Corps. For drone monitoring, I worked directly with the supplier, Security Drone Group, to take our services to market. Though a significant undertaking, it has helped Corps adapt and innovate in this rapidly advancing industry.

What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?

Corps offered me one-to-one executive coaching opportunities, and I have found that it has helped me understand my own personality type, how I am perceived in the workplace, and my leadership approach. I have quarterly catch-ups discussing what went well, which challenges I faced, and focusing on how my emotions were managed throughout. Honestly, it is the most valuable training I’ve ever done, because it pushes me to be a better leader and colleague for my team.

What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?

Retention and strategic growth remain my highest priorities. Our National Accounts division has recently secured two major media contracts worth £10 million, and playing a key role in achieving this expansion has been incredibly rewarding. It reflects the strength of our client relationships, the confidence the market has in our delivery, and the forward‑looking approach we’re building as a team.

Being part of that team and supporting my colleagues is what gives me true happiness at work, though. Working with Account Managers to roadmap and strategise their development, both personal and professional, has been a huge highlight of my work at Corps.

What do you love most about working at Corps?

I genuinely value the culture here, it’s what gives real purpose to my work. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect, and we actively celebrate each other’s successes. It’s not a competitive environment where people try to outdo one another; instead, it’s forward‑thinking, collaborative, and built on true togetherness.

Our work as a social enterprise is also important to me. It helps drive our supportive culture and means our workplace thrives on lifting each other, which can be hard to come across. Hard work and great results are clear at all levels, and that is really encouraged by Corps’ people-first perspective.

What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?

Balance is fundamental for me. Knowing when to put in the extra effort is valuable, but it’s even more important to recognise when to step back, switch off, and trust that what you’ve delivered is enough. Growth is another major driver. I take real pride in the projects I’m involved in, and seeing them come to life is hugely motivating. Those moments of delivery and impact are what give the work real purpose.

Equally, recognising success matters. It’s easy to celebrate when we fix a problem, but we should also appreciate the times when everything runs smoothly or when a new installation lands perfectly. Valuing your own contribution and acknowledging the work of colleagues is essential to progressing and creating a positive, high‑performing environment

What helps you create a good work/life balance?

Finding the right balance is essential. Busy periods need to be offset with quieter weeks, and navigating those peaks and troughs takes a clear understanding of project timelines. It’s a discipline, but an important one. I make sure to build that balance into my routine by working from home one or two days a week.

Corps gives me the autonomy to manage my own schedule, and I try to use that flexibility intelligently. I also plan dedicated admin days, because you can’t rely on finding five spare minutes during a hectic week.  Sometimes you have to proactively carve out the time.

Read more of our “5 minutes with series.” If you’re interested in working with us, please get in touch.